Breaking Down Autobiographical Fiction

Many writers bring in the joys or madness of their lives in a piece of fiction. Some stories genesis comes about because of an odd life experience, usually one that had resonance, and often these make some of our best stories. An autobiographical piece can come from the heart if written out in the right fashion, and at times even the smallest bit of personal experience can make a piece truly alive.

What makes for true autobiographical fiction? It does not all have to be true, in truth most of it is not; instead a few points often form the core of the narrative and lead into other possibilities. Writers like William Faulkner said that research should never be part of the writing process; it should instead bring in personal life experiences in a resounding way that will make the audience enjoy it, and bring happiness or sadness to their lives.